The thermal underwear has well and truly made it out of the drawer, as the region finally succumbs to the cooler temperatures that herald the winter season. It's been getting cooler for the last 2 months, although some people seem to think that it was still summer yesterday. Weird. This week, QLDC wins it's latest battle with the Mountain Scene, more controversy erupts over new plans for the Queenstown Gardens, Coronet Peak attempts to use efficiency and vehicle reduction to ramp up more business, and Central Otago wineries receive a funding boost to help in developing organic viticulture.

In the interests of readers, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Mountain Scene wish to correct an error in the front page story Over Rated (MS April 17).

The story principally claimed that between financial years 2003-07, QLDC collected $36m more than budgeted in rates and user charges. The correct figure is $1m.

Stopping short of an actual apology, the Mountain Scene (MS) have acknowledged the error they made when claiming that the QLDC had collected $36m in rates and user charges. They went on to blame incorrect reporting in the financial statements provided by the council. To agree with the QLDC, a simple pre-publication check would have revealed the error and prevented some embarrassment on both sides. Although, in the clarification piece they published, the MS couldn't resist one last swipe by claiming that the rates here are more than the 6 other councils surveyed.

It seems as though every man and his dog is up in arms about plans to build a $700,000 depot behind the Ice Skating rink in the Queenstown Gardens. There were even pre-written submissions against the idea circulated by email as early as Thursday, so for those that aren't capable of thinking for yourself, contact the Friends of the Gardens for a copy. Personally, I think it is a fantastic idea and the perfect location for a workspace for the horticultural team. Certainly a lot better than the barren and unused pit that it is now. Those that are interested are invited to an information session at the Bowling Club on Wednesday 7 May at 5.30pm

...parking facilities are being sourced at the base of Coronet Peak road and at Arthur's Point to facilitate carpooling. Hitching posts are to be established on the outskirts of Queenstown and at the base of the access road. As an incentive to people to carpool or pick up hitchhikers, single only drivers arriving after 8.30am will be required to park in a lower car park and will need to then use the car park shuttle to get to the base building...

Coronet Peak have announced a vehicle reduction plan to help reduce demand for car parking on the mountain while also reducing fuel consumption. The strategy is to manage available resources in the best, most efficient and most environmentally friendly way.

This is a genius marketing ploy in my opinion, aimed at getting more people onto the slopes. If this scheme works, it will only put more people into less cars, which then gives room for more cars - with more people. If there truly was an environmental focus here, it would be better to recommend people car pool from Queenstown, rather than the bottom of the hill. What an awesome plan on paper though, but it would be more effective being used at the Remarkables where there are often issues with parking. Those in the know already admit that the access road to the Remarkables is the one main thing that prevents greater numbers from hitting those slopes.

Ending this week's edition is the efforts being made by both the Central Otago Winegrowers Association and Organics Aotearoa New Zealand. Martin Anderson president of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association said the programme was important to ensure the quality and soil health of the region is maintained. "The future of our region and the products we produce is reliant on the health of our lands and waterways, we are taking a considerable step in the right direction to protect the future generations of land users." These steps are being made in a truly sustainable direction, which can't be said for Central Otago's main economic influence, that being tourism.

Until next week,

Nathan - Queenstown.com Editor.